"The Federal grant program allows ATA to offer training at no cost to automotive service professionals with the goal of preparing them to work on alternative fuel vehicles, now and in the future," said Lindsey. "Our hybrid courses provide a clear understanding of hybrids and how to perform advanced hybrid diagnostics to fully service these vehicles. While the biodiesel workshop covers the production of biodiesel and clean diesel/common rail technology, and our CNG courses focus on safety, conversion, inspection and maintenance."

Volkswagen has gained approval from air regulators of the final modification plan for the remaining vehicles that contain software designed to defeat emissions tests, the California Air Resources Board has announced.

Volkswagen has appointed Matthias Muller, the chairman of Porsche AG, as its new chief executive to replace the departed Martin Winterkorn, and will restructure its North American operations in the wake of a scandal over diesel emissions.

Volkswagen's chief executive said the company is "deeply sorry" and plans to fully cooperate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its investigation of the automaker's use of software to get around federal emissions regulations.